Suicide Prevention Week

COMNMUNITIES across Dundee are being encouraged to join forces this week to help prevent suicide.

As part of the annual National Suicide Prevention Week people are being urged to work together to help and support, make a real difference and save lives.

National Suicide Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of suicide, encourage people to talk about mental health and wellbeing openly, and provide information about agencies that offer support.

The locally-developed Suicide? Help! app contains contact details of local and national organisations, information about suicide, a guide to helping those in distress and a template for creating a safety plan.

People can download it by looking for ‘Suicide? Help’ in their iOS app store or Google Play store and the Tayside Suicide Help website can be found at www.suicidehelp.co.uk

Alexis Chappell, chair of the Dundee Suicide Prevention Strategic Planning Group said: “If someone you are close to shows signs of not being themselves, you will normally notice. When changes in their behaviour begin to worry you, even if the signs come and go, the most important aspect is to ask them about it.

“Talking openly about their feelings can help a person get clarity about what is troubling them and starting a conversation helps them to get perspective on their distress.

“You don’t need to have a solution to their problems, but being there for them and listening, without judgement, shows that you care and their distress, and ultimately their happiness, is important to you.

“Ask if they are thinking about suicide. It won’t put the thought into their head if it wasn’t there before, but it can be a big relief for them to be able to open up fully and acknowledge they need help and support. By taking the time to show you care and are there to listen, you could change their life.”

As well as the app, with up to date contact details and the latest information, Suicide Prevention Week will see a number of local events taking place backed by Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership and key partners including Police Scotland, Dundee Voluntary Action, Samaritans, Penumbra and Breathing Space.

A Facebook Q & A is planned for Wednesday September 12 between 11:30am and 12:30pm, which can be followed online at www.facebook.com/TaysidePoliceDivision; information stalls will be in the Overgate and Dundee Railway Station on Friday September 14; and suicide prevention messages will be highlighted on Dundee Community Safety Partnership’s Facebook page and Dundee City Council’s Twitter.

Further help and information can be found by downloading the “Suicide? Help!” app from your app store, visiting www.suicidehelp.co.uk or by calling NHS 24 on 111, Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 838587.